FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

If you are looking for the nonprofit FAQ, click here.If you are looking for the subreddit moderators FAQ, click here.

What is reddit Donate?

Providing easy to embed buttons, reddit Donate is an easy way for subreddits to support and rally around their favorite causes.

Why do you only offer to verified 501(c)(3) nonprofits?

As a side-project, reddit Donate is currently only able to work with 501(c)(3) nonprofits. This designation is regulated and monitored by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. These accreditations provide reddit Donate and the subreddits with greater transparency into and accountability of these organizations than it would without it. As such, we are able to use GuideStar and Charity Navigator, two of the nation's most well-respected nonprofit databases, to help educate moderators about these institutions and their activities.

We hope that by protecting donors from scams, we'll be able to defend the legitimacy of real, hard-working charities and keep redditors' goodwill as meaningful as possible.

Where does the money go?

The money goes directly into the bank account of the nonprofit. At no point does the reddit Donate platform handle, move or hold funds. Dwolla and Stripe serve to facilitate this ability.

What are the payment fees involved?

The payment fee depends on the donation method. You can either assume the cost or allow the nonprofit to pay the fee. By default the non-profit will assume the cost.

Here is fee table to give you a good sense of the process:

Dwolla:$10 and under = free to send/receive money$10 and over = flat fee of 25¢

Stripe:2.9% + 30¢ for any transaction.

Some participating organizations have sponsors that help cover the costs of processing fees.

Do you support international payments?

International donations through major card networks are accepted. Dwolla does not support international bank transfers at this time.

If you're a nonprofit, you must have a US-based bank account and be registered with the Internal Revenue Service.

Will you open up the raising to more than just verified nonprofits down the road?